SANFORD — The North Carolina Association of Educational Office Professionals has named Polly Bouldin, of Central Carolina Community College, as its 2009-2010 Educational Office Professional of the Year.

The selection was announced at the NCAEOP’s 59th annual conference, held March 17-19, in Greensboro. The award is based on service to the organization’s local, district and state levels. 

“What an honor and a privilege to represent all office professionals across the state, especially District 7 and Central Carolina Community College,” the Lee County native said. “I am deeply moved that I was chosen. It is with great pride that I accept this award, and I will go about telling others to continually strive for excellence and professionalism.” 

Bouldin has served as the college’s West Harnett Center site supervisor since 2001. She started working at the college in 1974 and, in 1983, helped establish its EOP chapter. She served as the first secretary and has also served as president, vice president, treasurer, and chair of many committees and fundraisers.  

At the district level, Bouldin served as District 7 secretary, historian, and chair of many committees. For the past two years, she co-edited the District 7 newsletter, The Achiever, which won second place both years at state competition. Most recently, she has served on the state level as chairman of the Professional Standards Program. 

“Polly gives 110 percent to any project she undertakes and it is so rewarding to have her honored for her hard work,” said Linda Spivey, NCAEOP president and employment specialist at Central Carolina C.C. “She has worked diligently for the good of her organization.”

Bouldin is also active in her community, serving as treasurer of the Johnsonville Ruritan Club, vice president of the Harnett County Buddy Backpack Program, and frequently involved in fundraisers to help others. Her personal motto is “People don’t care how much you know, till they know how much you care.”

Bouldin earned an Associate in Applied Science in Secretarial Science, with honors, from Central Carolina C.C. She is also a licensed real estate broker, licensed mechanical contractor and a notary public. 

She is the second Central Carolina C.C. employee to win the state award. Gloria Cheatham, administrative assistant to the college president, was selected as the NCAEOP’s 2006-07 Educational Office Professional of the Year.

The NCAEOP, founded in 1951, is a 2,000-member professional organization for all educational office support staff statewide. Each fall, its 14 districts select a district EOP of the Year, who is then in the running for state EOP of the Year. Bouldin was selected by District 7, which includes Asheboro City Schools and Anson, Lee, Moore, Montgomery, Randolph, Richmond, Scotland, Stanly, and Union county school districts and community colleges. A committee chosen from outside the NCAEOP’s membership selected the state winner from the district winners.